in the lower cabin of the brig" R. Groning," of two hundred tons, which sailed on the 3d instant.

Our thanks are due to the benevolent citizens of Norfolk, for the very liberal donations they made to our agent, Mr. KNIGHT, in clothing, shoes, and other articles for the use of these emigrants; and the thanks of the Society are due to Mr. KNIGHT, for the diligence and economy with which his duties have been performed.

For the African Repository.

THE CRISIS.

Mr. EDITOR, A more benevolent and important enterprise than the AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY, has not been undertaken during the last age. Its disasters and difficulties have been great, for often the whole scheme seemed to be near to complete discomfiture. But, hitherto, Providence has interposed in a wonderful manner for its extrication from difficulties and dangers, and not only for its preservation, but prosperity and increase. It would be scarcely possible to find, in the history of Colonization, a parallel case, where a Colony had been planted in a foreign, distant, and barbarous country, by a private Society, and supported for twenty years, without any pecuniary aid from any Government. The philanthropic English gentlemen who first established the Colony of Sierra Leone were, it is true, a private company, although composed of men of great wealth as well as influence; but, in a very few years, the burden was found too onerous, and they petitioned the English Government to take it off their hands; since which transfer, the Colony has cost the British Government a sum too great to be sustained by any limited number of private individuals. It would have been & far easier course, for the Government to have supplied the necessary funds, and to have assumed the general jurisdiction, and to have left the management of the affairs of the Colony to the philanthropic men who formed the enterprise. The Government of that country has too many important concerns to take care of, to manage with wisdom the concerns of an infant Colony, on a barbarous coast, in another Continent. The British themselves being judges, the Colony of Liberia has been governed with far more wisdom and economy than that of Sierra Leone. But this is far too momentous a concern to be left in the hands of a private company, and that a feeble one, as to resources. It is wonderful that they have been able to sustain it thus far. The most enlightened and influential friends, of the Colonization Society foresaw that, to prosecute this enterprise effectually, the aid of Government would become absolutely necessary, and the managers of the Society began, at an early period of their existence, to memorialize Congress on the subject, and their memorials were repeated and urged on that body, as long as a ray of hope of a favorable result remained. At one time, it seemed as if the Society was actually defunct, its affairs were in so ruinous a condition, and not, as I suppose, from any peculiar mismanagement, but from the obvious fact that the expenses were far too great for the uncertain resources of a private, voluntary association, and also from the impossibility of keeping up frequent and uninterrupted intercourse with the Colony. The Board at Washington could not know what expenses were necessarily incurred at Liberia, until the bills of their agents were sent home for payment. Under these inauspicious circumstances, the friends of Colonization in Maryland--always among the foremost and most zealous in the cause-despairing of success under the old regimen, withdrew from the American Colonization Society, and formed a new Society, under the patronage of, and in

connexion with, the State of Maryland. Other Societies have attempted to imitate the example, but we have not heard that the Legislature of any other State has come forward to give effectual aid; and there is no important reason for establishing State Colonies, but to secure the co-operation of the State. If this be not granted, all such separate Colonies, under their own peculiar organizations and laws, must be injurious to the general interests of African Colonization. At present, all the settlements from this country, on the coast of Africa, are under one Colonial Governor, except the Colony of New Maryland, at Cape Palmas, and a more discreet and energetic Governor we believe could not any where be found. Every thing, we learn, is prosperous in the affairs of Liberia, and improvements are in rapid progress. Peace exists with all the surrounding tribes, and the Colonists have conducted themselves with such admirable spirit in times of danger, that they have become a terror to the wicked, all around, far and near. What, then, is the difficulty? How can it be said that a crisis in the affairs of the Society has arrived? The whole matter can be explained in a few words. The Society cannot proceed much longer without the aid of Government. Either the General Government must come forward, and take the general superintendence and jurisdiction of the Colony, or the States must step forward, in imitation of the State of Maryland. Whatever is done, however, should be done in concert. We have had division enough in our councils and operations already. Now we are united, let us remain so. But the truth is, the Society must receive more effectual aid than has yet been afforded; and, unless it be afforded by the States or United States, this glorious enterprise, so auspiciously commenced, and so Providentially preserved and prospered, must be relinquished. Not that the good which has already been effected will be nullified; we believe that the little Colony of Liberia will prosper, if we should never send them another emigrant or another dollar. But the grand object of the projectors and friends of the American Colonization Society would be defeated.

There is another aspect of this subject which demands the immediate and solemn attention of our legislators in Congress and elsewhere. The British are now engaged in maturing a plan to take possession, not only of all the western coast, but also of the interior of the African Continent. Their object is grand and difficult, but it is practicable. They aim at the destruction of the nefarious Slave Trade, which all their exertions, with their mighty navy, and by diplomacy, have been unable even to lessen. They aim also at finding new markets for their manufactures; and last, not least, they contemplate a system by which they shall, in time, be rendered independent of the United States for the raw material of their most extensive manufacture. This they no doubt have a right to accomplish, if they can; but, in the mean time, what will become of our Colonies in Liberia? They will inevitably fall into the hands of the British. Not that the British will seize them by force; but these feeble Colonies, neglected by their own Government, will find it to be necessary to throw themselves under the protection of the British Government, or the British will so wage war as to make it the interest of these Colonies to be in connexion with them. And at present they are an anomaly on the globe; they are not Colonies of the United States, neither are they an independent nation. Their vessels, met with at sea, would, by the law of nations, be liable to be treated as pirates. Thirty years ago, the great and wise State of Virginia deliberated, in candor, with solemn earnestness, about procuring a territory on the coast of Africa, and commissioned the great JEFFERSON to procure it for them; but they were unable to accomplish the desired object. Now, the territory is in possession, bought and paid for with money, and doubly paid for by the

blood of the emigrants, shed in its defence. And Americans are about to let this important acquisition slip out of their hands! If the apprehended event should take place, in vain will they hereafter regret their supineness. Never again will any of the States have the opportunity of securing a territory for their colored population. Posterity will view this part of our history with astonishment and indignation; for the time will come-let my warning be noted-when the possession of such a territory as Liberia will be felt by all to be of exceeding great importance. I feel this to be a subject of immense importance to our country. Where are now the old, faithful advocates and friends of African Colonization-our CLAYS, OUT MERCERS, our JONES', &c.? Is the danger of losing our Colonies real, or do I dream? I wish, indeed, it were but a dream; but I foresee that, unless our Governments act promptly, all will be lost.

A. A.

COLONIZATION.

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE STATE SOCIETY.The aritual meeting of the Maryland State Colonization Society was held in the Senate chamber, at Annapolis, on Thursday evening, January 28th. A crowded assembly of ladies and gentlemen, including many of the members of both houses of the Legislature, manifested great interest both in the proceedings and in the

cause.

The address of J. H. B. LATROBE, Esq., President of the Society, gave a full exposition of the affairs of the Colony at Cape Palmas, its history from the first, and gradual yet sure advancement. He dwelt upon the particular circumstances which gave occasion to its separate existence, and upon the important and characteristic principles upon which its constitution' was based. It is under the government of colored men, and society is there growing up under circumstances which operate to accustom that race to a self-government as rational and enlightened as that which civilization recognizes, in its best forms. The Colonists have a charter, framed after the model of our institutions; they possess a code of laws, especially drawn up for them, remarkable for simplicity of diction, and for freedom from the verbiage and circumlocution which time and usage have entailed upon legal formulas in older countries; and, in the exercise of the rights and duties pertaining to their free condition, they have thus far displayed a degree of discretion, a regard for justice, and, at the same time, an energy and firm ness which, ensuring present prosperity, are auspicious tokens of future success and stability, such as have not usually characterized the early days of Colonial settlements.

Mr. LATROBE adverted to one fact, which is worthy of particular note. It is that the territory belonging to the Colony was purchased of the natives without the use of ardent spirits a thing unprecedented on that coast, where all treaties or bargains with the chiefs, since their intercourse with white men began, have been prefaced by libations of rum.

Corresponding with this beginning, it was established as a fundamental principle of the new Colony, that ardent spirits should not be admitted within its borders. This ordinance is now so thoroughly interwoven with the feelings, habits, and associations of the Colonists, that there is no part of their institutions for which they have a more affectionate regard. The speaker referred to the position of Cape Palmas as one of great geographical importance. It occupies the extreme projection of the western coast of Africa, and is the point which vessels usually make for in sailing towards the Gulf of Guinea, and those lower portions of the African Conti

nent with which Europeans carry on trade. In a commercial respect, Cape Palmas stands in a more commanding position, perhaps, than any other point on the western coast. It was selected by the practised eye of Doctor HALL, who has been long engaged in the African trade, and who led the first band of settlers to their new home, under the auspices of the Maryland State Colonization Society. The services of this gentleman, his zeal, fortitude, and perseverance, in founding the settlement, and in governing the little community during the first few years of their residence at Cape Palmas; were alluded to with warm tributes of sincere acknowledgment. It will be gratifying to the friends of Colonization in Maryland, to know that Dr. HALL is now the Home Agent of the Society-having retired from other more lucrative business, to devote himself to a cause in which his sympathies have been long and deeply enlisted.

The address of Mr. LATRODE was listened to throughout with profound attention. To many of his auditors his statements of facts were new and surprising, and upon all it was apparent that a deep impression was made.

Other speeches followed from several gentlemen, among whom were Mr. GANTT, of Anne Arundel, Mr. JONES, of Somerset, both of the House of Delegates, and Judge CHAMBERS, of the Court of Appeals. The addresses of these gentlemen were brief, yet spirited and earnest. The sound and eloquent remarks of Judge CHAMBERS closed the speaking of the evening.

The most important resolution adopted by the meeting, was one to hold a State convention of the friends of Colonization, in the city of Baltimore, during the coming spring.-Baltimore American:

TWENTY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE A. C: s. [CONCLUDED.]

DISASTERS ATTENDING THE LAST ATTEMPTED EXPEDITION OF THE SALUDA.

All the material facts and circumstances relating to this subject, are em braced in a letter from the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the American Colonization Society, (published in the Repository of Oct. 1,1840.)

After the discharge of the Saluda, she continued to make so much water, that the labor of two men was necessary to keep her free. Thus situated, she was offered for sale at auction-$1,500 only was bid. She was finally disposed of, at private sale, for $2,000.

The Committee would recommend the purchase of another vessel of about three hundred tons, double-decked, new, and a good sailer. The business of the Society cannot be carried on with economy, regularity, and certainty, by chartering, until the American trade on the coast of Africa is much increased.

EXPEDITION TO Liberia.

The Executive Committee has been preparing to send another expedition to Liberia. A good brig of two hundred tons has been chartered, and is engaged to sail on the *1st of February, from Norfolk, Virginia, where the emigrants are to embark.

There are now on their way, from Dandridge, Tennessee, to the place of embarkation, ten emigrants, who were emancipated by the will of the late Mr. HUGH MARTIN, on condition of their removing to Liberia. The sum

of $500 was left applicable to their removal, much of which will necessarily be expended in getting them to Norfolk-the distance being about seven hundred miles.

*Adverse winds delayed her till the 3d.

Twenty-seven emigrants are on their way from Culpeper Court-house, Virginia, left by the will of the late THOS. HALL, Esq., who made partial provision for their removal.

There are also four children to go from Fredericksburg, Virginia, sent by Mrs. BLACKFORD, a dévoted friend of Colonization. We understand that these children were left to her as a legacy. Instead, however, of availing herself of their services,. as slaves, she regards solely their own welfare, and sends them to Liberia to be educated, where no caste or color, no sense of inferiority, operates to depress the mind; but every motive exists to arouse its energies, and exercise its noblest faculties. Mrs. BLACKFORD has set an example worthy of all imitation.

Bishop MEADE, of Virginia, is also expected to send one emigrant-a man of good character, and well provided for.*

With this expedition are to sail four missionaries, viz. Rev. J. P. ALWAKD and wife, and Rev. O. K. CANFIELD and wife; also, CELIA VANTINe, a colored girl, who goes out as a teacher, and Mr. ABRAHAM Miller, a native of Africa, who has been some time in this country.

The abovementioned missionaries are sent by the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions. They are to remain at Cape Palmas until they become acclimated, but their final destination is Settra Kroo, about half way between Cape Palmas and Bassa Cove. Messrs. ALWARD and CANFIELD explored that part of the country, and selected the field of their missionary labors more than a year ago. They penetrated several miles into the interior, and found a densé population, who were hospitable and industrious, and expressed an earnest desire for the establishment of schools and missions among them.

It ought, perhaps, to be noticed, that these missionaries will have no danger to apprehend from locating themselves far from any settlement of the Colony, as the Kroos neither own slaves nor engage in the Slave Trade.

We rejoice that another point on that dark coast is to be illuminated with the light of civilization and Christianity. We trust that these missionary stations will continue to multiply, and that the influence of the Gospel will soon he felt over the whole extent of Liberia.

EMIGRANTS FROM THE CHOCTAW NATION.

It is our duty to call your attention to an interesting class of emigrants, for whose removal immediate provision must be made. The facts relative to their condition are set forth in the following extract of a letter from Rev. C. KINGSBURY, dated

"CHOCTAW NATION, NEAR FORT TOWSON,

November 17th, 1840.

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"By a law of the Choctaw Nation, passed at the late session of their Legislature, all free people of color, or rather all those born of Choctaw mothers, are required to leave the Nation by the 1st of March next, under the penalty of being sold as slaves for life, the proceeds being placed in the treasury of the Nation. There is a very large number of this class of persons, among them several who wish to go to Liberia. Their attention, in this trying exigency, has been turned there, as presenting the only safe asylum for the oppressed of their race."

The facts here stated, present a most powerful appeal to the friends of Colonization in behalf of the unfortunate class of human beings thus doomed to exile or slavery by an ex post facto law of the Choctaw Nation. We cannot doubt that this appeal will be promptly responded to by those who